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Duplex Ultrasound
Treatment for any Vein Disease
When you need treatment for your painful or unattractive vein issues, an accurate diagnosis is vitally important. At Virginia Vein Care, we utilize a duplex ultrasound (sometimes known as a vascular ultrasound) as a noninvasive, radiation-free means of determining how blood is moving through your arteries and veins.
A duplex ultrasound combines two elements: a traditional ultrasound which uses sound waves to bounce off blood vessels to create a picture, and a Doppler ultrasound to record sound waves that reflect off moving objects to determine their speed and other aspects related to how they flow.
Duplex ultrasound tests are designed to show how blood is flowing to different parts of your body.
How a Duplex Ultrasound Exam Works
Not so long ago, a more invasive procedure, known as an angiogram, was used to see how your veins were functioning by injecting a dye into your vessels in order that they show up clearly on an X-ray.
Thankfully, a much less invasive procedure is available.
When a duplex ultrasound is used to examine you, a transducer (a type of wand) is moved over the area to be tested emitting sound waves. A computer will measure how the sound waves sent out by the wand reflect back and changes the sound wave to pictures.
The term “Duplex” itself has to do with the fact that it makes use of two types of ultrasound, Doppler and B-mode. The B-mode transducer acts like a microphone to obtain an image of the blood vessel being studied. The Doppler probe inside the transducer looks at the velocity and direction of the blood flow in the vessel.
The Doppler component creates a distinct sound–the sound of your blood moving through your arteries and veins. It also is able to determine how wide a blood vessel is and show any blockage.
Duplex ultrasounds can aid in diagnosing vein conditions such as:
- Blood clots
- Varicose veins
- Carotid occlusive disease
- Abdominal aneurysm
- Venous insufficiency
- Arterial occlusion
- Renal vascular disease
Duplex ultrasound shows not only how blood is moving through your vessel and the speed of the blood flow but also the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessel.
During the procedure, you will lie still on a table with your head elevated slightly. The technician will spread a special gel on the area to be tested to allow for better transmission and reception of the ultrasound waves. The movement of the wand will transmit images to the computer for the technician to view and record on a television-like monitor.
What should I do during a duplex ultrasound?
Try not to move during your exam. You might be asked to lie down in different positions or take and hold a deep breath. You will likely feel no discomfort during the exam, and there are no side effects or complications associated with exams using duplex ultrasound.
You can wear comfortable clothing during the exam, and it should take only 30 minutes or so.
After your exam, the results are immediately available for your doctor to study.
Highly Experienced Ultrasound Technicians Make the Difference
Duplex ultrasound is the main diagnostic modality in the vein world used to see how best to treat patients. A well-trained and licensed ultrasound technician is crucial to obtaining the high-quality results required by this testing modality. What sets Virginia Vein Care apart is the extremely high level of training our ultrasound technicians have had.
During your first visit to Virginia Vein Care, we will perform a complete venous exam utilizing duplex ultrasound. The results of which will allow us to offer you our best recommendation for treating your vein issue.
We have offices in McLean, VA, and Purcellville, VA, so call our office today and take advantage of our advanced technology, procedures, and expertise: 703-506-8346